What are the Best Methods for Overcoming Social Anxiety?

There are a few different ways of overcoming social anxiety, and some are more popular than others. The most commonly recommended method is for someone to take cognitive behavior therapy from a qualified therapist. When using this method, the therapist will teach the patient different ways of thinking about his problem, which can help him look at things differently and eventually feel less anxiety. Some patients also take various antianxiety medications, which help reduce the physical reactions associated with extreme fear. Another approach for overcoming social anxiety is for patients to try forcefully confronting their fears in order to desensitize themselves, and this can often help.

For some people, the toughest thing about social anxiety is the way it makes them behave. Many people become so nervous around others that they end up isolating themselves from the world. One word used to describe these people is "shy," but many experts suggest that social anxiety disorder is much more extreme than typical problems with shyness.

People suffering from social anxiety disorder become so afraid of contact with others that they have severe physical reactions to their terror. They may become sweaty or short-of-breath when forced to be around other people. They may also find that they can’t think of anything to say. In extreme cases, these people may even begin to tremble from the extent of their terror. The symptoms are considered quite similar to an anxiety attack.

There are several medications that can take care of the physical terror, which can be helpful when overcoming social anxiety. People can take these medicines and feel a little calmer, and this can help them think more clearly about their situations. Even though they may still have a sense of terror in their minds, if their bodies don’t react, it can be potentially easier to tolerate.

According to many experts, the very best method for overcoming social anxiety is for the patient to see a therapist. Many different therapy methods can potentially be helpful, but the most popular approach is generally cognitive behavioral therapy. The reason for its popularity is because it teaches patients to deal with their problems themselves, so they are eventually able to be their own therapists in day-to-day situations.

Another approach that some people take that can be very negative is to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Alcohol in particular has some potential to reduce anxiety, but it's also addictive and very physically harmful. Some individuals who suffer from social anxiety start using mood altering substances such as alcohol as a crutch, and eventually become substance abusers as a result.